Drones can be a lot of fun to fly. Maybe you want to capture some photos of the family vacation or take some great aerial shots of the property up north. Whatever the case may be you may have discovered that it’s a bit more complicated than you thought.
There’s rules, and lots of them. I can help you by explaining the basics. You could start by reading the section below but I am open to a call or email if you want some clarification.
There’s also a lot of choices when it comes to picking out a drone. How will you know which model to pick? This is something I can help you with. I’ve been involved with drones since they evolved from kits that required assembly and soldering to the polished solutions we have today. Check out my recommendations for a starter drone here.
If you would like some advice, just send a message using the form at the bottom of this page. I’ll steer you in the right direction. We can schedule a call and if you’re in the greater Green Bay area you could even pay me a visit. I carry demo models of all the most popular drones. I am the only service provider in Wisconsin that offers “fly before you buy”.
Maybe you already bought a drone and are looking for a bit of advice to stay out of trouble.
There are 2 things you must do before you fly!
- Take the FAA’s online training and test for recreational pilots
- Register your drone (if it weighs more than 250g)
TRUST Training Program
The FAA recently enacted a rule which requires recreational drone pilots to take an online training program and test. This program is referred to as TRUST. You should be able to get through it in a half hour. Don’t worry, it’s free.
The FAA contracted with public and private organizations to offer this online training through their respective websites. Some are non-profits and some are for-profit companies. These organizations will have your attention and will no doubt try to convince you to subscribe to other services and programs they offer. Stay strong, there is no need for you to join their organizations or pay for any of their services. There are 17 organizations offering TRUST access through their web portals. I personally prefer non-profit organizations like the Academy of Model Aeronautics or the Boy Scouts. You can see the complete list here:
FAA TRUST Complete List
Registering your drone
If your drone weighs more than 250g, 8.8 ounces or .55 lbs, you must register your drone with the FAA. Its a simple process that requires you to create an account, enter some basic information and pay a $5.00 fee. You will be issued a unique identification number which you must then attach to the exterior of the aircraft.
Register Here: FAA DroneZone
Are you interested in buying a drone but don’t know what to buy?
I can help you with that. For the last 6 years I’ve been helping drone pilots choose the right equipment and learn how to fly safely and legally. Please feel free to contact me and I’ll be happy to help.